Project Worker, Advice and Information Service, South West (Full Time)
Cork, Ireland
Description
Project Worker, Advice and Information Service, South West
Location: Cork
Contract: Full Time, Specific Purpose Contract
The purpose of this role is to work as part of Focus Ireland’s Advice and Information Service, delivering a dedicated advice, advocacy, and support service to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
What you will do:
1. Provide information, advice, and advocacy on housing, legal rights, and social welfare entitlements to persons at risk of homelessness.
2. Undertake assessments and develop/implement support plans for individuals’ personal and accommodation needs.
3. Liaise and advocate with relevant statutory authorities to support service users.
4. Manage a caseload and operate an open access drop-in/phone/email service.
5. Establish links with local services and community groups as appropriate.
6. Refer individuals to external agencies for specialized assistance with personal, social, legal, and accommodation needs.
7. Work under the supervision and direction of the line management within the project.
8. Work independently and as part of a team, providing daily team support.
9. Maintain a client-centered approach, encouraging autonomy and independence.
10. Comply with all relevant Focus Ireland policies, including Child Protection, Confidentiality, Customer Complaints, Health and Safety, and Personnel policies.
11. Maintain accurate records and statistics in accordance with policy.
12. Participate in service evaluation and development.
13. Collaborate effectively with colleagues on organizational procedures and policies.
14. Be vigilant regarding health, safety, and welfare risks in the workplace and report concerns.
15. Attend and contribute to team, section, and agency meetings.
16. Engage in supervision sessions regularly with the Project or Team Leader.
17. Participate in reflective practice and relevant training for professional development.
18. Undertake other duties as assigned in consultation with the Project Leader.
19. Work within the overall objectives of Focus Ireland.
What you will need:
1. Relevant third-level degree in social care, youth work, social studies, addiction, psychology, or law.
2. At least 2 years’ experience in social care working with disadvantaged individuals and families.
3. Experience supporting marginalized households with high-risk and challenging behaviors.
4. Knowledge of issues affecting people experiencing homelessness and their impact on development and well-being.
5. Experience with child protection and welfare responsibilities, responding appropriately to concerns.
6. Experience in conducting assessments, including risk assessments.
7. Experience developing support plans and reviewing them.
8. Ability to work independently and in a team, demonstrating flexibility.
9. Full clean driver’s license (desirable).
10. Knowledge of services in the homeless sector (desirable).
Focus Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
We believe homelessness is wrong—it's a societal failure that creates victims and undermines society. It can be prevented and solved.
We employ approximately 570 staff across various roles, including permanent, fixed-term, full-time, part-time, and relief positions.
Our aim is continuous improvement through partnership, integration, accessibility, and empowerment of employees.
What we offer:
* Top-up maternity benefit up to 26 weeks
* Top-up paternity leave up to 8 days
* Financial support for upskilling/qualifications through our Education Policy
* Paid expenses
* Cycle to Work scheme
* 25 days annual leave
* Defined Contribution pension scheme (5% employee, 7% employer)
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff counselling
* Death in Service benefit (3 times salary)
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